There are many amazing things in space. There are also many strong forces in space. One of the biggest is a supernova. Essentially, a supernova is when a star explodes. This is much bigger than any disaster on Earth. In addition, it tells us a lot about how things break down and things become stable again. Curiously, this is so similar to the way our minds function. This article describes what supernovae are and relates their massive energy to our own emotions.
Read more: Eyes to the Sky, Thoughts to the Stars
A Star’s Fiery Goodbye: What is a Supernova
Imagine a gigantic ball of fire. That is a star, such as the Sun. Stars produce energy constantly, fusing light elements to produce heavier elements. But eventually, after a very long time, they run out of fuel and die with a bang! A supernova is just a star exploding. It indicates that a seriously large star has died. Additionally, it could also be a small, dead star (a white dwarf).
There are different types of supernovae. One type comes from enormous stars. These include the giants that are much bigger than our own Sun. These giant stars burn through their inner fuel; their inner core then falls in. The collapse happens very rapidly – in a matter of seconds. The outer material blows off in an enormous explosion. The resulting supernova is called a core-collapse supernova.
The second type involves smaller, dead stars. These stars are white dwarfs. White dwarfs are the remnants of stars like the Sun. Sometimes white dwarfs are found in pairs. The white dwarf orbital partner is very close. If the white dwarf sucks in too much material from its partner, it can become too heavy. The extra weight can cause an enormous explosion. This is called a Type Ia supernova. These two types of supernovae release unbelievable amounts of power. For a brief time, both types shine brighter than whole clusters of stars.
The Bright Burst: A Show of Breaking Down
A supernova is something that can hardly be described with words. It is stunning; perhaps it is the brightest thing we will ever see. This space explosion erupts a ton of energy and is brighter than a billion Suns, for a brief time, the brightest thing in its galaxy, then slowly fades away until only the nebula remains, which is a big cloud of hot gas or dust. Sometimes, a neutron star or a black hole is all that is left, which is a super-heavy object.
But more than that, supernovae make heavy elements, stars typically make lighter ones, like the iron, carbon, and oxygen that are found in stars, but to build gold, silver, and uranium takes something more exotic, and supernovae provide the proper hot temperatures to build heavier elements. All the atoms found in our bodies are star stuff; the iron in the hemoglobin of our blood once resided in an old supernova. Therefore, supernovae are very important; they were one of the primary factories that grew the seeds of life, and all possible future life, into the universe.
How our minds feel it: The inner supernova
This level of energy is meaningful to us. We unavoidably react to big destruction. A supernova is caused by a big change. It symbolizes endings and new beginnings. It can signify parts of our mind. Take a personal issue, for example. This could represent something like a sudden job loss. Or the end of a relationship happened quickly. It certainly feels explosive.
We can feel shocked in much the same way the universe does. Our inner “structure” has fallen apart. It is like we lose all our old habits associated with daily living. It feels like all the inner emotions erupted, like an explosive disbanding. Fear, sadness, rage, and anxiety overwhelm you. It is the time of the strongest feelings. It attains the status of a mental supernova. We feel free, vulnerable, and in an open state.
What’s Left After: Sorting out the Mess
After the initial explosion, the mess remains. A real supernova leaves behind gas. Similarly, our inner explosions leave us with a “mess.” These are the shadowy, lasting thoughts and feelings that we deal with as they become emotional things left behind. Sadness, regret, and confusion often come to mind. It often feels like messy cloudiness. After we find ways through these rough patches.
As a nebula extends, our understanding develops. We start to understand. The craziness starts to settle just a touch. We look back on our experiences. This takes time and difficult work. It requires engaging in self-reflection and time. We approach our new reality. We work through accepting what has happened.
Building Again from Leftovers: New Beginnings
Supernovae not only destroy; they create, too. They spread new elements through space. These elements will coalesce to form new stars. They will create new planets. Our “supernova” can do this as well. From the emotional wreckage, new growth emerges. We discover new strength that comes from within ourselves.
A problem can draw us into navel-gazing. It makes us think about ourselves. It makes us think about our values. Also, it gives us inner strength. Older ideas and approaches may die completely, and new ways of seeing things take their place. This “new matter” will enable us to create. We learn from what took place, and also experience change. We emerge as a changed person, perhaps stronger. The pain helps us evolve in understanding. It helps us create a new self.
The Group Supernova: Major Transformations for the Society
This phenomenon applies to groups as well, and societies undergo “supernovae.” A war, a pandemic, or an economic meltdown acts like this. The old systems collapse; everyone is challenged. Everyone (in society) responds as if they are shocked. Fear and anxiety become rampant. Old ways can break down rapidly.
What follows is a process everyone in the group must grapple with. Societies deal with grief over loss. They are confronted by all-new issues. This situation can lead to much dialogue and even argumentative discourse. People reflect on choices previously made. People begin seeking alternatives. New norms come from group pain. Some new invention will appear sooner rather than later. Significant societal change is more rapid from “mess” than from the old “process.”
Welcoming the Cycle: Breaking Down and Making New
Supernovae remind us of space. The breaking down of a star is part of the making of a new star. It is a cosmic law! Nothing disappears for good. Energy transforms. Matter can transform. Similarly, there are endings in our lives that precede every new beginning. When we lose something, it often opens up others. This is the way life works.
But, it brings good things too. Every “supernova” has lessons to offer. It offers opportunities for growth for life-energies released, and we can take that energy and direct it towards new work. Our purpose is where we shine the brightest, especially in the darkness. This is where we build it.
The supernova idea is a powerful one. It suggests big, explosive, energetic change. It can convey both the beginning and the ending. Also, it reminds us of our power. We can endure even intense pressure and turn our pain into progress. We are, in a real sense, the ashes of stars. Also, we contain the explosive energy of the universe. We have the potential for explosive, life-changing new beginnings.
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